Computational Fluid Dynamics Approach for Modeling a Non-Newtonian Blood Flow in a Split and Recombine Micromixer

Abstract

In this work, the blood flow in a passive planar micromixer is analyzed in order to provide a case study for the use of different models of the blood dynamic viscosity in COMSOL Multiphysics. Regarding the Newtonian or non-Newtonian behavior, the blood is best approximated with a non-Newtonian model since its viscosity changes with dependence on the shear rate. The usual Newtonian model of blood viscosity, as well as two non-Newtonian models including Carreau model and the Power law model are used to study the wall shear stress. For the models study, a passive planar micromixer with ellipse-liked micropillars is proposed to operate in the laminar flow regime for high mixing efficiency.